Literature is subjective. What I deem significant and
valuable can differ from the individual next to me. This notion can be applied to the way in which we define the phrase "a work of
literary merit". Despite the various definitions, I feel like a work of literary merit is a
piece of literature that provides an underlying message. This means that it can
widen your eyes on social issues and bring public concerns into light. These
works are memorable, meaning that they leave an imprint on the minds of
readers. Oftentimes people view these pieces of work simply as the novels that are
read and discussed the most. Although this is true, it is the aspects
of these novels that ultimately cause them to be remembered.
Recently I finished reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Many believe that this book is an example of a work of literary merit. Upon reading it thoroughly, I completely agree! F. Scott Fitzgerald uses this story to tackle the materialistic nature of society. He does so by flaunting Gatsby's outrageous parties at his mansion. Amidst all the wealth, people only viewed Gatsby as a source for their own entertainment. However, when it came down to Gatsby’s death, only a few people attended his funeral. The same patterns can be seen when it came to Gatsby’s love life. The wealth and status of Tom Buchanan served as the primary factor that kept Daisy from running off with her true love—Gatsby.
In addition, The Great Gatsby delves into the contrast between dreams and reality. In a way, it serves as a wake up call to many humans. In fact, the very last line of the novel states, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This demonstrates how sometimes we are constantly preparing for out future while simultaneously fighting our inevitable return to the past.
Overall, this novel is truly awe-inspiring. Its ability to provide social commentary on 1920s American society has rendered it a classic. Fitzgerald wanted to showcase the fact that money isn’t everything. Even though Gatsby had every aspect of the idealized American life, he was actually miserable. Similarly, Fitzgerald targeted the American dream of becoming rich. Despite the fact that America was economically successful during this time period, he urged Americans not to set aside their humanity in order to bask in their new found wealth. For this reason, The Great Gatsby exemplifies a work of literary merit. Let's not forget the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio served as the face of Gatsby in the movie rendition. To me, that's only a plus!
Recently I finished reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Many believe that this book is an example of a work of literary merit. Upon reading it thoroughly, I completely agree! F. Scott Fitzgerald uses this story to tackle the materialistic nature of society. He does so by flaunting Gatsby's outrageous parties at his mansion. Amidst all the wealth, people only viewed Gatsby as a source for their own entertainment. However, when it came down to Gatsby’s death, only a few people attended his funeral. The same patterns can be seen when it came to Gatsby’s love life. The wealth and status of Tom Buchanan served as the primary factor that kept Daisy from running off with her true love—Gatsby.
In addition, The Great Gatsby delves into the contrast between dreams and reality. In a way, it serves as a wake up call to many humans. In fact, the very last line of the novel states, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This demonstrates how sometimes we are constantly preparing for out future while simultaneously fighting our inevitable return to the past.
Overall, this novel is truly awe-inspiring. Its ability to provide social commentary on 1920s American society has rendered it a classic. Fitzgerald wanted to showcase the fact that money isn’t everything. Even though Gatsby had every aspect of the idealized American life, he was actually miserable. Similarly, Fitzgerald targeted the American dream of becoming rich. Despite the fact that America was economically successful during this time period, he urged Americans not to set aside their humanity in order to bask in their new found wealth. For this reason, The Great Gatsby exemplifies a work of literary merit. Let's not forget the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio served as the face of Gatsby in the movie rendition. To me, that's only a plus!
